Persistent Pay Gap: East German Wages Lag Behind West by 19%

The DGB highlights that East Germans effectively work unpaid from October 22nd due to a significant wage disparity.

The Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) reports a 19% wage gap between East and West Germany, with East Germans earning on average €3,563 compared to €4,401 in the West.
Due to this wage gap, East German workers are considered to work unpaid from October 22 until the end of the year.
Susanne Wiedemeyer, DGB's regional chair in Saxony-Anhalt, expressed understanding for East Germans feeling like second-class citizens due to the ongoing wage disparity.
The DGB calls for stronger collective bargaining agreements, noting only 44% of East German workers are covered by such contracts compared to higher rates in the West.
Stefan Körzell of the DGB's federal board emphasized that despite stronger economic growth in East Germany, workers have not equally benefited, underscoring the need for change.